Gambia

Description of Gambia

Gambia is a country which is located in West Africa. It is known to be the smallest country in Africa with 20mi in width. The capital region of Gambia is Banjul. It has been an independent country since 1965. Gambia is situated on the Atlantic Ocean and it surrounded by Senegal from 3 sides. The river Gambia flows through Gambia to Atlantic.

History

The country Gambia shares up its historical roots with various nations of West Africa in slave trading. In the 9^th and 10^th centuries, traders of Arab have firstly written about the area Gambia. Since the 13^th century, Malinke, Wolof and Fulani people have been settled in Gambia region. At the beginning of 14^th century, most of the part of today’s Gambia is a part of Mali Empire. Later it has been a part of Songhai Empire.

Map and Language

The map of Gambia includes the regions, northern and western hemisphere, Africa, West Africa. The extreme points of Gambia include North Atlantic Ocean and the other which is unnamed. The land boundaries of Gambia are Senegal.

The official language of Gambia is English and the national languages include Fula, Mandinka, Serer, Wolof and Jola.

Culture

Though it is the smallest country, its culture is a combination of varied influences. It has been the home for ethnic groups that are mostly present in West Africa, particularly in Senegal. Europeans are also figured out in the history of Gambia.

The religions in Gambia are Christianity, Serer and Islam.

The music of Gambia is linked with its neighbor Senegal. It blends western dance and music along with sabar.

Gambia cuisine includes, rice, peanuts, meat, onions, chili pepper, oysters, etc. that are harvested from the Gambia River by women.

The famous sport in Gambia is Football and it has been in Olympics too.

Holidays

There are many public holidays in Gambia and they are, January 1st (New Year's Day), February 18 (Independence Day), March or April (Good Friday, Easter Monday), May 1 (Labour Day), May 25 (Africa Day), July 22 (Revolution Day), August 15 (Assumption), December 25 (Christmas Day) and Other Islamic Days (Ashura, Prophet's Birthday, Revelation of the Qur'an, End of Ramadan, Feast of the Sacrifice). 

Climate and Weather

The country Gambia has a tropical climate. It has both hot as well as rainy seasons that last from June to November. From then in Gambia weather there may be chances of having coolers temperatures with less rain. The climate of Gambia is closely same as of its neighboring Senegal.

Travelling and Tourism

It has been more popular for beach destination for the European travelers. The River Island National Park of the capital Banjul has wildlife which is fantastic to watch particularly the native baboons. There have been many tourist attractions from the costal resorts of Kombo of the Banjul with National Museum on Independence Drive, Albert market, etc.

Vacations and Destinations

Few kilometers from the capital region that is towards the coastal area there are many major vacation locations with destination areas such as Kololi (Beaches, safaris, nightlife), Brufut (Gardens, bird watching, beaches), Brikama (Ecotourism) Serekunda (Beaches, Nightlife), Fajara (Beaches), Tanji (Fishing) etc.

Some facts about Gambia

Gallery of Gambia

Gambia video guide

More information about Gambia

Top cities of Gambia